Donald Trump joined world leaders in attending the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican, but viewers were left outraged by the US President’s choice of clothing
Viewers who tuned in to watch Pope Francis’ funeral were taken aback when they spotted President Donald Trump arriving in a blue suit, which broke away from the traditional black attire expected at such solemn occasions. Approximately 200,000 people had congregated in St Peter’s Square for the funeral mass to pay their respects to the beloved pontiff.
At the event, which started with a procession at 10am local time on Saturday, April 26, numerous world figures made their presence felt alongside President Trump and First Lady Melania, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with his wife Victoria, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Despite their differences on issues such as immigration, migrant treatment, and climate change, President Trump told reporters on Friday that he was attending the funeral “out of respect” for the Pope, who passed away on Monday following a stroke at 88-years-old. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
However, it was when of paying respects to the Pope’s casket that Donald Trump’s choice of clothing – a noticeably blue suit – made him stand out, especially next to Melania’s more conventional black dress and veil, the Mirror US reported.
Observers, including those watching from afar, did not hold back in taking to social media to voice their opinions on the US president’s fashion faux pas, as covered by the Irish Star.
People quickly took to social media, as one person said: “Just watching the Pope’s funeral. Trump is the only one not wearing a dark suit. No respect”
Another noted: “President Trump at Pope Francis’ funeral…the only one in a blue suit!!”
Another post asked: “Is Trump the only leading person wearing a bright blue suit for Pope Francis’ funeral? To be noticed?”.
Someone else said: “Trump looks like the only leader of a country in attending not wearing a black suit”, adding: “Normally I would not comment on a man’s apparel at a funeral but it is a Catholic funeral for the Pope head of Catholic Church.”
Another person commented: “Trump can’t even be bothered to wear a black suit to the Pope’s funeral! And not capable to sit up straight in his chair! Put to shame by the rest of the worlds royalty and leaders!
“#Trump. Where is Vance to tell Tump that he really should have worn a black suit.”
Francis was known to strongly disagree with Trump’s stance on issues such as immigration, the treatment of migrants, and climate change.
The Argentine pontiff and the American president had early disagreements over immigration.
In 2016, without naming him directly, Francis suggested that candidates like Trump, who pushed for building walls against migrants, are ” not Christian.”
Trump responded to these comments by labelling them “disgraceful.”
However, following Francis’ passing, former President Trump commended him as a “good man” who “worked hard” and “loved the world.”
Trump also directed that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff in Francis’ honour.
